TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children is a gritty, narrative-driven tactical RPG that plunges players into a dark, post-apocalyptic world where survival depends on strategy, resource management, and tough moral choices. Developed by DeskWorks, the game distinguishes itself through its mature storytelling, deep combat mechanics, and a world that feels both bleak and richly detailed. Set in a future ravaged by war and environmental collapse, players command a squad of mercenaries undertaking dangerous missions amid the ruins of civilization. The combination of tactical combat and layered narrative creates an intense and immersive experience that challenges both the player’s strategic thinking and their emotional engagement.

The storyline in TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children is one of its strongest elements. It follows a group of “Troubleshooters” navigating a harsh world where factions vie for control, and the remnants of humanity struggle to rebuild. The narrative is delivered through well-written dialogue, mission briefings, and in-game events that reveal the grim realities of life in this fractured society. Unlike many tactical RPGs that focus solely on combat, this game places a strong emphasis on character development and ethical dilemmas, forcing players to make decisions that have far-reaching consequences. The dark tone and mature themes, including loss, desperation, and betrayal, are handled with nuance, creating a compelling emotional backdrop for the gameplay.

Combat in TROUBLESHOOTER is turn-based and tactical, requiring careful positioning, effective use of cover, and strategic skill usage. Each squad member has a unique set of abilities and customizable equipment, allowing players to tailor their team to their preferred playstyle. The variety of enemies—ranging from hostile survivors to mutated creatures—ensures that battles remain challenging and dynamic. Environmental hazards and mission-specific objectives add further layers of complexity, pushing players to adapt and think several moves ahead. The game rewards thoughtful planning, with stealth options and non-lethal takedowns available for those who prefer a less direct approach. The pacing of combat is deliberate, giving players the time to analyze the battlefield and make meaningful tactical decisions.

The game’s RPG elements are well integrated, with progression systems that enhance both character abilities and gear. Between missions, players can upgrade their mercenaries, equip new weapons, and modify armor to improve survivability and combat effectiveness. Resource management plays a crucial role, as supplies are scarce and must be allocated wisely. The crafting system adds another strategic layer, allowing players to create useful items from scavenged materials. This sense of scarcity reinforces the game’s atmosphere of desperation and survival, making every decision about resource use feel significant. The interface is generally intuitive, though some menus can feel a bit dense for newcomers to the genre.

Visually, TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children opts for a realistic, gritty art style that complements its somber narrative. The environments are detailed and varied, ranging from ruined urban landscapes to toxic wastelands, each reflecting the devastation that humanity has endured. Character models and animations are solid, though not groundbreaking, and serve their purpose well in conveying the tension and urgency of combat scenarios. The sound design is effective, with ambient noises, weapon effects, and a tense musical score that heightens immersion. Voice acting is present in some key moments, adding emotional weight to the story, though it varies in quality.

Despite its many strengths, the game does have areas where it could improve. Some players might find the difficulty curve steep, especially early on, where resource scarcity and tough enemies can lead to frustrating restarts. Additionally, while the story is engaging, certain narrative threads can feel underdeveloped or predictable, leaving some questions unanswered. The game’s technical performance is mostly stable, but occasional bugs and AI quirks can detract from the overall experience. However, the developers have been responsive in issuing updates to address many of these issues, showing a commitment to improving the player experience.

In conclusion, TROUBLESHOOTER: Abandoned Children offers a compelling blend of tactical combat, survival mechanics, and emotionally charged storytelling. It stands out in the tactical RPG genre by weaving mature themes and tough moral choices into its gameplay, creating an experience that is both challenging and thought-provoking. For players who enjoy methodical strategy games with a dark narrative and a focus on squad management, TROUBLESHOOTER delivers a memorable and rewarding journey through a harsh and unforgiving world. While not without flaws, its depth and atmosphere make it a worthwhile title for fans of tactical RPGs seeking something with grit and heart.

Rating: 9/10